Veteran Chris Paterson returns to the Scotland side for their Six Nations opener with France © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Max Evans | Thom Evans | Phil Godman | Chris Paterson | Andy Robinson

Tournaments/Tours: Six Nations

Teams: Scotland

Scotland coach Andy Robinson has made six changes to his side for Sunday's Six Nations opener against France.

Robinson has recalled record cap holder and points scorer Chris Paterson at fullback for his 99th appearance, and has also drafted in Glasgow centres Max Evans and Graeme Morrison, Gloucester prop Alasdair Dickinson and Glasgow flankers Kelly Brown and John Barclay. Two of the changes were injury-enforced, with fullback Rory Lamont and flanker Alasdair Strokosch both ruled out yesterday due to ankle problems.

Despite impressing during the autumn internationals, Worcester centre Alex Grove has been relegated to the bench, with the fit-again Max Evans preferred. It was a similar story with Edinburgh prop Allan Jacobsen, who lost out to Dickinson.

Barclay reclaims the No.7 jersey from Alan MacDonald, who made his debut in the defeat to Argentina last time out and is among the replacements. Phil Godman is retained in the fly-half jersey, with Robinson surprisingly electing not to include either Dan Parks or Ruaridh Jackson on the bench. Uncapped 20-year-old Glasgow lock Richie Gray is among the replacements, however.

"There has been improved competition for places since the autumn Tests and selection has been based both on achievements within the autumn matches and on current form," said Robinson. "France have a fantastic squad. The fact they defeated New Zealand in Dunedin last June illustrates that they can win and win well away from home. We are excited about the start of the championship but we know that we have not won our first game in the competition since 2006, so all our focus is on making a winning start against France on Sunday."

As for his selection, he added, "Young Dickinson playing at loosehead is getting his first (Scotland) start of the season. I've been pleased with the way that he's come back and played for Gloucester - good ball carrier. I'm looking forward to seeing how he delivers in the game. Also, Kelly Brown has played well since the autumn when he didn't get selected and he was frustrated about that. He's gone back to Glasgow and, after a number of man-of-the-match performances, has worked his way back into the team."

Brown's selection means the so-called 'Killer Bs' back row from Glasgow is in place, but Robinson admitted Strokosch would have played if fit. "You deal with it," he said of the injury to the Gloucester flanker, who was Scotland's pack leader in the autumn.

Morrison was axed after the historic victory over Australia but Robinson said, "Graeme responded from the autumn. He was disappointed with his attacking performance against Australia, although defensively he played very well. With the combination of playing Max, we need that bit of go forward in the centres and Graeme gives us that - as well as Sean Lamont off the wing. There are a number of guys who can establish the go forward, as well as the flair players and the speed of the likes of the Evans boys and Chris Paterson."

Scotland's hopes of beating France for the first time since 2006 were further boosted this week when their opponents' talismanic forward, Sebastien Chabal, became the visitors' latest injury withdrawal. But Robinson said, "We were hoping that Chabal was going to play. France are a quality side; they have strength in depth - a lot of the players that are playing - but also a number of young players are coming in there.

"We're pleased with the way the training's going but, like all things, it's about how we deliver on Sunday. We'll know how well the training's been after Sunday's performance. It's about challenging each other during this week and getting the combinations working hard together. The main thing is that everybody's ready for a big start on Sunday."

Scotland team for Six Nations match against France at Murrayfield on Sunday, February 7 (kick-off 3pm):

C Paterson (Edinburgh); T Evans (Glasgow), M Evans (Glasgow), G Morrison (Glasgow), S Lamont (Scarlets); P Godman (Edinburgh), C Cusiter (Glasgow); A Dickinson (Gloucester), R Ford (Edinburgh), M Low (Glasgow), N Hines (Leinster), A Kellock (Glasgow), K Brown (Glasgow), J Barclay (Glasgow), J Beattie (Glasgow).

Replacements: S Lawson (Gloucester), A Jacobsen (Edinburgh), R Gray (Glasgow), A MacDonald (Edinburgh), R Lawson (Gloucester), A Grove (Worcester), H Southwell (Stade Francais).